The Handy Dandy Backpacking Checklist for Summer Adventures

Do you feel like going backpacking this summer, but haven’t streamlined the packing and planning process?

Today I’m sharing the checklist I use for backpacking with the hope that you’ll be able to use it during your own planning. With food, water and Nikon DSLR, my pack that this list is based on weighs in at about 28 lbs. This list is certainly not all-encompassing, so feel free to edit and tailor it to your climate (mosquitos? hot/cold/humid/dry?), legalities (bear cans?, no ground fires?, CCW permitted?) and style (comfort on foot vs comfort at camp?). Just to give you an idea of what kind of backpacking I’m doing with the gear in this checklist, I’m usually in California’s Eastern Sierra during the summer on easy well-traveled terrain where navigation is a no-brainer.

Aside from the necessities, I allow myself one indulgence which is usually my DSLR. Sometimes I ditch the DSLR and pack a point-and-shoot camera with a flask of rye whisky instead. Some may opt for a camp chair frame, the kind where you slide your mattress inside for a padded seat with a minimal weight penalty, but I just sit on my bear can. Your adventure is your own; pack what suits you.

This article is split into two templates. First, a packing checklist. Copy this into Google Docs, Evernote or wherever you keep all your notes and documents. Second, a Google Docs emergency contact template that I share with others in my group. I have them add in their personal information (to include emergency contact information like a family member or girlfriend) and then right before we punch out of work on Friday, I copy, paste and mass-mail it to their emergency contact.

Stuff to Pack

Navigation

Topographic Map/s

Suunto Ambit (currently field testing this, but have been wearing a Suunto Vector for the previous nine years for the altimeter. Most will opt for a compass and possibly a GPS with topo base maps such as the Garmin 62St)

Emergency Contact Info Template

This is the emergency contact information for your spouse/SO/child regarding the backpacking trip they are going on with me. See below for relevant information.

“We will be off the grid and therefore out of cell phone contact from mid-morning Saturday until noon Sunday. Do not call Search and Rescue unless we have not checked in by Monday morning. Inyo National Forest Ranger station: (760) 873-2485.”

Park fees: $5 bear can rental if you don’t own one. I will put my food into Hicks’ bear can. Wierzbowski and Spunk don’t have one, so you guys decide amongst yourselves who will do the rental and divvy up your food/toiletries and other scented items.

Total Estimated = ~$60ish per head

Plan Your Own Adventure!

This article should serve as a great starting point to help you plan your next weekend adventure. Feel free to customize the packing checklist to fit your own needs be sure to send us a postcard.

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Jeff lives in Los Angeles and serves as our resident Eastern Sierra correspondent. He’s buckling down for the next Sharknado, but in the meantime is throwing the occasional blog post up onskunkabilly.com.

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One thing that I've been struggling with recently is food. I see you've listed 2x Mountain House + 1x Ramen noodle. I usually pack about the same, but that only equals about 1,000 calories. Those meals usually take away the hunger, but on a trip that's about a week long, I'm feeling pretty drained at the end. Anyone else?

@Ontario Geardo Instant mashed potatoes, Hamburger helper, and ramen are my favorites. They used to sell these little salmon or meat steak packages at Walmart. I think you can still buy them on the Bumblebee website.